Gerald Jerry Kirby Dawson

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Gerald Kirby Dawson who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jerry was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jerry knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Jerry was born on August 2, 1935 at Galt Hospital in Cambridge, Ontario. His parents were Archibald and Esther Dawson. Jerry was raised in Galt and St. George Ontario. Even as a youngster, Jerry learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jerry was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jerry was raised with One sibling. He had a younger brother, Alan. Jerry had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jerry, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Jerry's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jerry enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jerry took part in hockey and baseball. He was a boy scout and attended Sunday school. In his spare time he liked build models and help his father on the farm. Jerry's memorable achievements included.

In school, Jerry was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Jerry was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Jerry’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were Auto and Woodworking. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was his Tech teacher.

Jerry’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Jerry’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Jerry saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. Jerry attended the Police College in Alymer Ontario.

Jerry was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jerry was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jerry came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, one of his best friends was Jim Taggert. Later in life, his best friends were, Clayt Cutting, Pat Little, Harvey Scott and Lorne Ronald.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jerry reveled in the security of his family. On January 24, 1959 Jerry exchanged wedding vows with Barbara Ann Ronald at the Knox Presbeterian Church of Galt Ontario. One of Jerry’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Jerry was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jerry would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jerry was blessed with two children, One daughter, Cindy and one son, Paul. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Sarah and Chad.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jerry was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jerry was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jerry upheld his standards. His primary occupation was police officer and staff seargeant. He was employed for 30 years with Waterloo Regional Police and retired as a Staff Seargent. Jerry was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Jerry approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of Jerry's favourite hobbies were, tinkering with motors, small engine repairs, wood working and attending Motocross races. Jerry was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jerry to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included Tennis, Shuffleboard, Roller Skating, Snowmobiling, Square Dancing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Baseball, Hockey, Tennis and Motocross.

Being generous with his time and energy, Jerry liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Jerry was an active member of the Police Association, Masonic Lodge and the Lions.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jerry used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jerry had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Barbados, Scotland and Florida.

Jerry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jerry’s favorites was A pig named Irving, but Jerry called him Orving. Jerry also had a horse which he loved. He also would buy piglets and raise them.

When Jerry’s retirement finally arrived in 1990, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved spending his summers at his home and winters at his condo in Florida. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing Tennis, Shuffleboard, Cards, Road trips and travelling. In many ways, Jerry loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jerry passed away on September 28, 2013 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Jerry fought a courageous battle for the past 8 years. He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Cindy and Paul, Grandchildren Sarah and Chad, daughter in law, Debi, son in law, Barry. Services were held at Coutts Funeral Home.

All who knew him would agree that Jerry was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Gerald Kirby Dawson did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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DAWSON, Gerald “Jerry”

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 28, 2013, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, in his 79th year. Loving husband and best friend of Barbara (nee Ronald). Devoted dad to Cindy Dawson & husband Barry Hall, Paul Dawson & wife Debi, all of Cambridge. Greatest papa to Sarah & Chad Dawson. Dear brother of Alan Dawson & wife Carol, of Kitchener. Survived by brother-in-laws Richard Ronald, Harold Bechtel, Hugh Ronald, all of Cambridge, Carl Ronald & wife Nessie, of Goderich. Also survived by his many nieces and nephews and their families. Gerry was predeceased by his parents Archibald & Esther (nee Menary) Dawson, brother-in-law Lorne Ronald & wife Cathy and sister-in-law Allie Bechtel.

Friends will be received at COUTTS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE”, 96 St Andrews Street, on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Grand River Hospital (Dialysis Unit). Online condolences may be left at www.couttsfuneralhome.com